Kimi ready to overtake Schu

Kimi Raikkonen believes he is in even better shape to end Michael Schumacher's Formula One domination this year as the season roars into action in Melbourne this weekend.

The McLaren driver went within two points of denying Schumacher his record sixth drivers' crown last season, even though it was only his third year of F1.

But with another campaign under his belt, the Finn expects to be even stronger in 2004.

"Sure, we had a good season last year, coming second in the championship, but that was last year and now we have to start again," said Raikkonen.

"We have a new car and it's a case of going back to zero and trying to be the best this time.

"It was nice to get my first win last year and we were quick.

"But just because that was the case in 2003, it doesn't automatically mean the same will happen in 2004.

"We must try to do better this year, even though we cannot expect to win every race. We will try to win as many as possible and I don't mind which ones I win as they are all worth the same 10 points."

Raikkonen's maiden victory came in the second race of the season in Malaysia. It was the 24-year-old's only success, while Schumacher captured six wins in his Ferrari.

But Raikkonen finished on the podium another nine times - including seven runners-up spots - in a remarkable display of consistency as he kept in the hunt until the decider in Japan last October.

The Espoo-born driver believes reliability will be the key when the 18-race season gets under way on Sunday, especially with the new regulations which limit drivers to one engine per grand prix weekend.

"The new rules don't change much," he said. "Qualifying is very slightly different from last year, but it's basically just two sessions back to back. As for the new engine rule, that is for the team to deal with and their aim is to build engines which will have a longer track life, while still producing the necessary horsepower.

"Reliability will be the key element this year and I hope it will be a strong point for us.

"If you manage to finish all the races, usually you will pick up some points and just a couple of them could make a big difference at the end of the year.

"Of course, reliability alone is not enough and we need a car that is quick enough to win races as well."

Raikkonen was happy with the MP4-19 when it was introduced before Christmas, well ahead of its main rivals.

But doubts about its competitiveness have been creeping in during recent winter testing.

McLaren could be holding back, not wanting the likes of Ferrari, Williams and Renault to know their true pace before the start of the season. But all will be revealed in Melbourne.

"At the moment, it's difficult to say which team or driver will be strongest because in winter testing everyone does their own thing," said Raikkonen, who made his debut with Sauber in 2001 before being snapped up by McLaren.

"Some teams have put in some very quick laps, but you cannot be sure what conditions they were running under.

"We will have to wait and see what happens in Melbourne at the first race.

"But it's fair to say that apart from McLaren Mercedes, we can expect Ferrari, Williams and Renault to be winning, while there might also be some other teams who are strong."